The merchant has produced “enough sets to cater to the market” – thought to number in the thousands. These will be distributed to its client base with a roughly equal split between printers and specifiers, such as designers, agencies and corporate accounts.

The kit contains a set of ring binders comprising CPI’s entire range of stocks, separated into coated, uncoated, packaging and specialty papers. A folder of self-adhesive stocks is also on the way.

CPI Group director David Bull told ProPrint: “More than a sample system, this is a paper resource centre.”

He said the system was driven by a need to present all the information about paper that specifiers were asking for, not just look and feel but details such as environmental credentials.

What sets the CPI Papers kit apart is that samples have been printed on, showing what finished jobs will look like, said Bull. “Specifiers told us: ‘We don’t just want to see white paper’.”

He said he was particularly proud of the extra ‘My Selection’ folder, which is aimed at print and creative reps, who can pick and choose a bespoke mix of stocks depending on the situation or client.

The kit was produced by Melbourne-based Manark Printing, and Bull said Manark’s managing director, Tony Knight, had been instrumental in the concept.

“Tony was fantastic at working through the pros and cons, from a production and economic perspective.”

Bull added: “The initial feedback has been tremendous.”

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter